“We have deliberated and endorsed to
the NHLPA Executive Board the
League’s proposal to implement supplemental discipline this season for
blindside hits to the head,” the six players on the committee said in a
statement. “Our Executive Board will vote on this recommendation and we
will respond back to the League with a decision in the next 24-48
hours.”

It’s an interesting turn of events.
Originally, the players were dragging their feet a bit and wanted to
submit their own counter proposal of a temporary ‘band aid solution’,
somewhat expected but still a bit of a power play by the NHLPA. After
word came down that the league went ahead and passed the rule anyways,
the Association decided that it’s perhaps best to give their blessing of
the new rule.

According to Bill Daly, NHL deputy commissioner,
the PA asked for some extra time to vote on the change.

“Following discussions today between the NHL and the NHLPA, including
player members of the Competition Committee, the NHLPA has requested
additional time to secure the approval of its Executive Board prior to
proceeding with the implementation of the proposed new rule regarding
hits to the head,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday
night in a statement. “In response to the Union’s request, the League
has agreed to wait until tomorrow before proceeding with implementation.

“Our strong preference remains to proceed on a cooperative basis with
the players on this important issue.”

That last part is most important, as it seemed that we were on the
verge of yet another nasty back and forth between the league and NHLPA.
Instead, cooler heads have prevailed and the NHL can move on with a very
important change in place. Expect for the change to be officially
adopted sometime Thursday.

Remember, it’s not an actual change to add any penalties to the
rule book that is being voted on. The change has to do with the NHL’s
ability to punish players for blind side hits to the head. Still not
exactly where we need to be, but at least it’s progress.